Tanya Goodman Sykes Speaks to Hallels About Goodman Revival and Their New Album

In the world of southern gospel music few names carry a more substantial legacy than Goodman.  Creativity, authenticity and a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ have long been the cornerstones of the family's sound and messages. They remain the foundation for the next chapter in the group's illustrious history with the launch of Goodman Revival. 

Tanya Goodman Sykes, her husband, acclaimed producer Michael Sykes, and friend Johnny Minick, a gospel music veteran who performed for years with the Goodmans, once again propel the family name into the spotlight with the release of their debut album and DVD Songs in the Key of Happy (Gaither Music Group). The trio revives such Goodman classics as "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now," "Until You've Known the Love of God" and "Who Am I," breathing fresh life into songs that have defined the genre for decades. 

We are so honored to catch up with Tanya for this Hallels' exclusive interview: 

Hallels: How did this idea of reviving the songs of the Goodmans start?

Johnny had asked us to work up a song for a Sunday morning at the church he pastors, Smyrna River of Life. We decided to do my dad's song, Until You've Known the Love of God. It was very well received that morning and ended up on YouTube. Unbeknownst to us, it started receiving quite a bit of attention online and before long, promoters were calling asking to book our "group." J We didn't really have a group... We decided to go out and do a few concerts and things just gathered momentum from there.

Hallels: Looking back, what do you think make the Goodmans stand out in Gospel music? What made their music special?

Their music was so passionate and relatable, and as an artist, they were always very much "of the people" always accessible and open.

Hallels: Was it easy picking out the songs from the Goodman's discography to record?

PICKING was easy, narrowing the list was a little more difficult. We all had our favorites and as we listened to the old recordings, there was a flood of remembrance, and certain songs just stood out to each of us.

Hallels: Listening to the new album, I notice there were many songs about heaven, did you deliberately choose the songs that have to do with heaven?

It wasn't deliberate, the Goodman Family recorded many songs about heaven and it sort of turned out that way on this first recording.

Hallels: I believe one of the new songs on the album is "Settle the Score," tell us more about the inspiration behind the song?

It is a new song, written by Johnny and Tim Hill. They had heard a particularly inspiring message from a guest speaker that was encouraging us to stop settling in life, but seek to take back the things that Satan attempts to rob from us. Rather than "settling for less," we should "settle the score."

Hallels: Has there been a single sent to radio as the lead single yet? If so, tell us more about the single.

The first single is, "What a Happy Time," and it has already gone out. We've been hearing good reports so far! We felt like that song was representative of this entire experience-it's caught us entirely by surprise and feels like such a gift, we're pretty happy about the whole thing, plus it's just such an upbeat and joyful song, very infectious.

Hallels: Are you guys touring to promote the album? If so, where can our readers find out about your tour dates or purchase your new album?

We will be doing a select number of dates. Things are in the works for that already. Stay tuned for more info!

People can stay up to date with us by connecting with us on Facebook or our website.

www.facebook.com/goodmanrevival or www.goodmanrevival.com

The album is available at Walmart, target, christian retailers, Gaither.com, iTunes, Amazon and www.goodmanrevival.com. 

 

 

 

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